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"June 24thSuch excitement...the horsemen announced travelers, and Count Geoffrey of Anjou arrived an hour later with some of his chevaliers. Petra and I peered from the stairs down to the great hall and saw the visitors. I decided we must put on our loveliest dresses right away. The count is taller and even more striking than Father... Geoffrey the Handsome is our name for him. When he pushed back his hood of chainmail, his hair fell to his shoulders in brown curls. The tunic over his armor was blue with a golden crest. He and Father greeted each other warmly... The reason for Count Geoffrey's visit? He has invited Father to go to war. He is just twenty-three-years old and needs help invading Normandy. And without thinking twice, Father said yes! I worry he has made another terrible decision...."

"Much appreciation to Father John F. Donoghue, Diocese of Boise, Idaho, for his colorful explanations and insights into the twelfth-century Roman Catholic Church: and to Annie Anderson, a good friend and careful reader."